Education · 1 of 4

The path

Thirteen to fifteen years after high school, by one of two routes.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Top grades in biology, chemistry, physics and math, aimed at a competitive pre-medical undergraduate place.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major, plus the pre-medical science courses. High GPA, research, clinical hours, and the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

3. 3

   Medical school

   4 years

   Two years of science then two of clinical rotations. Get into an operating room early and find a vascular mentor.

4. 4

   Residency, one of two routes

   5 to 7 years

   Either an integrated vascular surgery residency of five years straight out of medical school, or five years of general surgery followed by a two year vascular fellowship.

5. 5

   Board certification

   1 to 3 years after training

   The American Board of Surgery runs a vascular surgery qualifying examination and then a certifying examination. You have no more than seven academic years after training to finish both.